Governor Umaru Bago of Niger has emphasised the need for responsible mining practices in the state.
He made the call in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, in Minna.
Mr Ibrahim stated that the governor made the call when he met with leaders and members of the Niger chapters of the Miners Association of Nigeria and the Nigeria Union of Mine Workers.
Mr Bago, who commiserated with the associations over the death of 37 detained illegal miners at the facility of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, described the incident as devastating.
He briefed the associations on steps taken by the state government to enforce responsible mining in the state.
The governor explained that responsible mining entails ethical practices, environmental stewardship, community engagement, and a balance between productivity and social responsibility.
He noted that the sector is highly specialised and that the safety of miners, mine workers and the communities surrounding the mining sites is of utmost importance.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for God to grant their families the fortitude to bear the loss.
The governor also called for the cooperation of the associations, assuring them that the committee of inquiry constituted by the state government was working tirelessly to thoroughly investigate the incident.
He said the committee had already taken a head count of the deceased and their families.
In their separate responses, leaders of the associations commended the efforts of the governor aimed at promoting responsible mining across the state.
They described the deaths of the 37 miners as an unfortunate incident and appreciated Bago for the way he was handling the situation.
Mr Bago had promised to collaborate with relevant authorities to enforce responsible mining in the state.
(NAN)
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